Kotaro Shiojiri: Political Challenges and Opportunities for the U.S., Japan, and Beyond

Global Speakers ProgramWith new leadership in both the U.S. and Japan, 2025 will be a pivotal year in shaping the future alliance of these two countries, which has been fundamental to economic security in the Asia-Pacific region. Dr. Shiojiri will share his expert perspective on critical issues facing Japan that include an uncertain political and economic future and a complex and challenging international security environment that will impact and be impacted by U.S.-Japan relations.

Biography

Dr. Kotaro Shiojiri earned his B.A. in Law, M.A. in International Studies, and Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Tokyo, and his LL.M. from Harvard Law School. He has served as a Japan Foundation fellow at the Wilson Center, researcher at the Japanese Institute of International Affairs, and adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies. During his service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (2009-2019), he held various positions including Chief of Staff to Ambassador of Japan to the United States and officer in the G8/G20 Summit Office, Economic Policy Division, of the Economic Affairs Bureau.

He is the recipient of the University of Tokyo President’s Award and has also served as an intern at the Council on Foreign Relations and Okamoto Associates. For his doctorate dissertation, Dr. Shiojiri conducted research on the indeterminacy of Article XXI of the GATT 1994 which is the national security exception clause of the WTO law.

Made possible by the Global Speakers Program Fund 

Guest Policy

Guests may register in advance or at the door for $25. Please arrive at 9:30 am to check in. Advance registration opens one month before each event and closes the Wednesday before each event. There is no cost for WACHH members to attend.